Alexander Grant

Message from Acting President Kress Regarding Alexander Grant

Dear Members of the Skidmore Community,

I write to convey the very sad news that emergency personnel yesterday recovered the body of Alexander Grant, a sophomore at Boston College, who was visiting friends at Skidmore this past weekend. While accounts are still emerging, it appears that Mr. Grant had lost his way in the snow following a party at an off-campus location.

The death of a student is a tragic event in the life of any college, and this is a grievous loss for two campus communities. Our hearts go out to Mr. Grant’s family and friends and to the Boston College community. I was able to meet with members of Mr. Grant’s family yesterday and convey to them condolences on behalf of the College. Several of us also have been in touch with members of Boston College, including the President, Father William P. Leahy.

I want to thank Dean of Student Affairs Rochelle Calhoun and her staff, who, over the last few days, have attended closely to the needs of the family and of those members of the Skidmore community most deeply affected by this tragedy. I know Dean Calhoun will be writing directly to our student community. I also want to convey the College’s thanks to the Saratoga Springs Police Department, the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, the New York State Forest Rangers, and all who assisted in the search for Mr. Grant.

At this most difficult moment, I know that we look to each other for support. I ask that each of us be attentive to those among us who might be experiencing this loss with particular pain and help to guide those in need to appropriate sources of support.

Sincerely,

Susan Kress